Saturday 08 November (Amami Ōshima island)
The writing on the whiteboard didn’t survive the journey in between intact i.e. prior to our briefing.
Strava Flyover virtual summary: https://strava.app.link/7EWhNNJy9Xb
NB. The image of vehicle bottom right has been distorted (stretched) by the GoPro lens.
As per the ride profile there were four main climbs in line for the day – all before lunch.
Initially I rode by myself for the first few hours – which I don’t mind – occasionally seeing another passing rider.
It’s warm humid but slightly overcast and enough of a cooling breeze on the climbs to make them bearable. which are only up to 10% so far on the second climate of the day
The first big climb took around 47 minutes, covering ~5km and gaining 376 in elevation. The average gradient was 7.4% and the maximum ~10%.
Between the first and second main climbs there were some sights to take in and a joy on the flatter stretches.
The second big climb took around 43 minutes, covering ~4.7km and gaining 334 in elevation. The average gradient was 7.1% and the maximum ~10%.
Mid to late morning, sometime after the second main climb, Padraig’s and my riding patterns came into sync. From then on we more or less rode together. Prior to starting the day’s ride, we haven’t been planning to ride together. Rather it just comes about organically so to speak.
The third main climb was a bit easier than the previous two in terms of the length and gradient. However perspiring a lot more by then as it was warming up and the road was not as shaded.
The fourth and final big climb was the most challenging of the day. Not just because of the increased gradient (average 7.9% {with peaks up to 12%}, over ~3.2km for 254m elevation gain) but also hotter temperature and less shade, as well as some accumulated tiredness being just prior to lunch. The morning’s effort tackling the 4 climbs in warmer more humid conditions was reflected in the fact that for the first time I had almost finished my water/electrolytes (2 litres) and most of my snacks.
Padraig and myself were not quite the last to lunch but arrived to find that a few riders had taken the option to bypass some of the big climbs by taking the tunnel options. Though the climb to lunch was unavoidable.
Water for drinking and refilling water bottles at the other end (with electrolytes if desired)
Padraig and myself last to leave lunch, taking up our frequent positions of late accompanying the sweep (Lorna) in the rearguard which we proudly maintained till the end of the day’s ride.
Post lunch there was well earned descent, nice run through some cherry trees with the remnants of autumn leaves, followed by a very steep but short climb before it flattened out for the remainder.
The ride cue sheet had noted a good coffee/ice cream shop approximately 20km from lunch i.e. enough time to have made room for further calorie intake. I was preparing google translate in case it was needed to clarify my ice cream order when Josiah, who had arrived and been served earlier, pointed out that the Japanese person serving had lived in Australia 😀 (she later told me Perth and Brisbane).
Our arrival at the hotel took us past a group of riders relaxing poolside. However they roused themselves sufficiently to commend our day’s effort.
Sharing with Tony.
Cooked/ate with Dan and Ralph
I like the idea of a kayaking tour Steve